Category: Blogs

West’s Goal Must be Gaddafi’s Removal

By Kurt Volker

The launch of Western military operations to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973 is long overdue, but nonetheless welcome: After weeks of delay, brutal attacks by the regime, and a loss of momentum for the rebellion, Colonel Gaddafi’s counter-revolution might now be halted.

Details of emerging no-fly operation and NATO flotilla

By the AP

NATO’s Libya Command and Control Debate Explained

By James Joyner

 A former official with long experience on NATO sends along a concise, if slightly tongue-in-cheek, guide to the intra-alliance debate over NATO’s role in Libya: The Italians want NATO to take over so they can avoid national responsibility  (ie, tell their Arab friends "it’s not us, it’s NATO, so we don’t have a choice"). The […]

Atlantic Update 3/23/11: Transatlantic Perspectives Toward Libya

By Klee Aiken

The United States, France, and the United Kingdom have led the diplomatic and coalition effort against forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi in Libya. However, wider coalition support and participation of the Arab League and the broader transatlantic community is essential for the Obama administration, which is keen on avoiding comparisons to the diplomatic rift caused […]

Germany withdraws its forces in the Mediterranean from NATO command

By DPA

NATO begins enforcement of the arms embargo against Libya

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  NATO has now decided to launch an operation to enforce the arms embargo against Libya.

Allies may give NATO operational control, but not political control

By Scott Wilson and and Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post

From Scott Wilson and and Karen DeYoung, the Washington Post:  The United States appeared to be closer Tuesday to turning over command of the military operation in Libya, with key NATO countries tentatively agreeing that the alliance would take the leading role.

Libya: Why Turning on a Dime Made Sense

By Damon Wilson

Second-guessing is a Washington pastime.  Critics are chastising the Obama administration for "turning on a dime" and, after much reluctance to become involved in Libya, moving too quickly to use force against the Gaddafi regime.  They argue that the administration’s about-face last Tuesday night has resulted in a lack of clarity in the mission, minimal […]

Allied leaders comment on NATO Impasse

By the Telegraph

Day 5 of NATO’s Political Impasse

By Steven Erlanger, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger, the New York Times:  As the military operation continued over Libya on Monday, there was some confusion about which country or organization is actually leading it, and for how long. France, Britain and the United States are in charge of their own operations, which each have different code names.  The participants are […]